Flights to Barcelona

It’s hard to imagine a more traveller-friendly place than Barcelona, which seems to have something for everyone.

Flights to Barcelona take you to a city that boasts the best of both worlds. On the one hand, there’s the ultra-modern side to the city centre, with its Antoni Gaudí architecture, luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and designer boutiques. On the other, Barcelona has a thriving beach culture, with more than 4km of coastline. The city is a hugely popular surfing destination, and Barceloneta is regularly named as one of the best urban beaches in the world.

Staying on dry land is just as rewarding though, especially if you decide to explore the city on foot – you never know what you’ll stumble across. You might even want to opt for an official guided tour just to make sure you don’t miss anything. (Runner Bean Tours, for example, host child-friendly guided walks of the city.)

However, if you’re feeling adventurous and would rather go it alone, Las Ramblas is a great place to start; it comprises five boulevards, with Plaça de Catalunya at one end and the waterfront on the other. This famous promenade is populated by cafes, restaurants, shops and street performers, and is filled with locals and tourists all hours of the day and night.

In fact, Barcelona is ideal for night owls. The city never seems to sleep, and many of the tapas restaurants, lounges and music venues don’t get going until fairly late in the evening. It’s not uncommon to schedule dinner for 10pm or later, stay out all night, and find yourself at breakfast without having made it back to your hotel.

You won’t want to sleep through the day though – not when there are so many cultural sights to take in. There are famous tourist attractions like Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum, both of which are good additions to any Barcelona itinerary. Venture off the beaten track, though, and you’ll be rewarded with leafy parks, quirky boutiques and local markets.

What to do in Barcelona

Marvel at Gaudí’s architecture

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without marvelling at the work of its most famous architect, Antoni Gaudí. The biggest draw is the iconic Sagrada Familia, which is one of Barcelona's best-loved sights. You could also stroll among the surreal structures in the Gaudí-designed green space, Park Güell, and visit his houses: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

La Sagrada Familia
Carrer de Mallorca, 401
08013
+34 9 32 08 0414

See the city with BrightSide Tours

If you’re not quite ready to join the motorbikes and bicycles zipping around the city, check out BrightSide motorcycle tours. A private guide will take you around the city, while you soak it all in from the safety of the sidecar. There’s a range of tours to choose from including the Must-Do, Full Day and Night Rider. The Foodie Tour is essential for tapas lovers.

Passatge de Tasso, 6
08009
+34 647 592 581

Shop at La Boqueria

La Boqueria is the largest food market in Europe, and a perfect place to sample authentic Catalan cuisine. It is located in the buzzing area of Las Ramblas. Set your alarm – the best time to go is early in the morning, before the tourist crowds arrive.

La Rambla, 91
08001
+34 93 318 2584

Where to eat in Barcelona

Bar Pinotxo (Tapas)

When a tapas spot in Barcelona is this popular with the locals, you know it’s doing something right. Pinotxo is a relaxed, low-key restaurant where you don’t have to dress up to turn up. Be adventurous when you visit – no need for a menu, simply pull up a stool and order whatever looks good.

Mercat de la Boqueria, 466-470
08002
+34 93 317 1731

La Guingueta de la Barceloneta (International)

In Barcelona, when you want to grab a bite in a super-casual setting, you head for a chiringuito, or snack bar. La Guingueta de la Barceloneta is one of the best. Right out on the sand of San Sebastian beach, it serves exceptional light bites including hot dogs, pizzas and sandwiches.

Playa de San Sebastián
Barceloneta
08001
+34 628 273 578

Tickets (Spanish)

The brothers behind Barcelona’s legendary (now defunct) El Bulli have thrown their expertise behind a new tapas joint. Ferran and Albert Adrià’s latest spot is part restaurant, part circus ring; expect crazy but tasty twists to old classics, and finish with something sweet from the candy floss machine.

Avinguda del Paral·lel, 164
08015
+34 93 292 4253

Places to stay in Barcelona

Hotel Majestic

When money is no object, spend yours at this iconic hotel in the Passeig de Gràcia. Even if you’re not splashing out on the penthouse suites, you can still enjoy the city views from the rooftop pool, 24-hour personal butler service and the Majestic Breakfast Experience Buffet, created by the renowned chef Nandu Jubany.

Passeig de Gràcia, 68
08007
+34 93 488 1717

Mercer Hotel Barcelona

This romantic boutique hotel is located in a beautifully restored, centuries-old building, ideally situated in the heart of the city’s famous Gothic Quarter. Stay here and you’ll be within walking distance of La Boqueria food market as well as the Picasso Museum.

Carrer dels Lledó, 7
08002
+34 93 310 7480

Mambo Tango Hostel

Sometimes you want the prices of a hostel but without that party-all-night vibe. For the low-key backpacker, there’s Mambo Tango (also known as Santa Jordi Mambo Tango), a laidback hostel in Poble Sec with clean, basic rooms, free Wi-Fi and a policy that guards against raucous guests disturbing the peace at night.

Gràcia, Barcelona

Taste of Barcelona - Pulpo Con Escalibada at El Betlem

Originally opened in 1892, El Betlem has survived two wars, dictatorships, globalisation and the era of fast food and big shopping centres. It has done this by combining classic flavours with modern cuisine. After five years of managing El Betlem as a traditional deli, its owner and chef, Victor Ferrer Galán, decided to transform it into a gastro bar, while maintaining the authenticity of the food and respecting the restaurant’s historyRead more Taste of Barcelona - Pulpo Con Escalibada at El Betlem

Our destinations in Spain

Most popular destinations from Barcelona (BCN)

Emirates offers flights to Barcelona (BCN) and 141 other destinations. Below you’ll find a selection of our flight destinations to spark your interest. Get inspired and plan and book your next flight or holiday. With Emirates you’ll experience the most comfortable flight across our cabin classes. And we continually get the best reviews for onboard service. Whether you fly Economy Class, Business Class or First Class, fly with us for a great way to travel.